Planning the perfect beach getaway with kids in tow requires finding that sweet spot where pristine shores meet family-friendly amenities. The ideal family beach vacation combines safe swimming conditions, convenient accommodations, and plenty of activities to keep everyone from toddlers to teens happily engaged. Here’s our curated guide to the best family-friendly beach destinations that offer the perfect mix of relaxation for parents and excitement for kids.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach has long been a favorite for families, offering 60 miles of sandy beaches and countless attractions designed with kids in mind.
Why Families Love It
- Wide, sandy beaches with plenty of space to spread out
- Affordable accommodations many of these being right on the beach
- Myrtle Beach State Park offers more natural beach settings with facilities and lifeguards
Where to Stay
- Captains Quarters Resort – Features unique accommodations (2 room studios, efficiencies and suites), bowling alley, arcade and shipwreck lagoon water park and, its right on the beach.
- The Breakers Resort – This resort has it all- indoor pools, out door pools, lazy river, 5 water slides and pool deck dance parties. It also features 5 onsite restaurants including Ben & Jerry’s and Starbucks.
- Kingston Plantation – This condo resort offers both single room, condos and three bedroom villas. The amenities include both indoor and outdoor pools along with Currents Seaside water park a 50,000 sq ft water park complete with water slides, arch jet sprays and a galloon dumping bucket just steps from the beach.
Nearby Activities
- Family Kingdom Amusement Park and Myrtle Waves Waterpark
- Ripley’s Aquarium and WonderWorks
- Broadway at the Beach entertainment complex
San Diego, California
San Diego stands out as a premier family beach destination with its year-round pleasant weather and diverse attractions.
Why Families Love It
- Mission Beach offers a classic boardwalk experience with carnival games and easy beach access
- La Jolla Cove provides protected swimming areas and fascinating tide pools for curious young explorers
- Coronado Beach features gentle waves and the iconic Hotel Del Coronado
Where to Stay
- The Dana on Mission Bay– This resort offers spacious suites making it perfect for larger families. There is a wide range of rentals onsite everything from bicycles to ski boats. Traveling with a pet? This hotel is known for being San Diego’s most famous dog lovers retreat.
- Mission Bay Resort – Offers waterfront rooms, a beach front pool and a children’s wading pool. This resort also includes games such as volleyball, basketball, giant chess and more. Another family friendly perk is the free bonfires and s’mores nights at their beach firepits.
- Beach House Rental Options – Mission Beach and Pacific Beach neighborhoods offer numerous vacation rentals steps from the sand if hotels aren’t your style.
Nearby Activities
- LEGOLAND California (30 minutes north)
- San Diego Zoo and Safari Park
- SeaWorld San Diego
Virginia Beach, Virginia
This classic beach town offers a 3-mile boardwalk and beach-centric family fun with a mix of natural beauty and tourist amenities.
Why Families Love It
- Clean, wide beaches with regular lifeguard coverage
- The famous boardwalk offers a safe place for biking, walking, and people-watching
- Sandbridge Beach provides a quieter alternative with natural dunes and less development
Where to Stay
- Beach Quarters Resort – This oceanfront family friendly hotel offers studios with kitchenettes and suites with full kitchens making it great for families who like to prepare their own meals. The amenities include indoor and outdoor pools, children’s pool and an arcade/game room.
- Holiday Inn & Suites North Beach – Located directly on the beach, this hotel features one bedroom suits and oceanfront balconies. This resort offer plenty of fun for the kids including Splish Splash Lagoon (lazy river, waterfalls and 2 waterslides) and indoor water area and movie theater. Best part? Kids under 12 eat free at their onsite restaurant.
- Sandbridge Beach Vacation Rentals – Spacious beach houses near the more secluded Sandbridge Beach.
Nearby Activities
- Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
- Ocean Breeze Waterpark
- First Landing State Park for nature trails and kayaking
- Surry Bike Rentals (on the boardwalk) & Gromet Island Park (on the beach)
Outer Banks, North Carolina
This 200-mile stretch of barrier islands offers uncrowded beaches and a laid-back atmosphere perfect for families seeking a more natural beach experience.
Why Families Love It
- Wide, sandy beaches with gradual drop-offs ideal for younger swimmers
- Wild horse sightings at Corolla Beach
- Cape Hatteras National Seashore for nature exploration and junior ranger programs
Where to Stay
- Sanderling Resort (Duck, NC) – This unique hotel sitting right on the beach offers single room accommodations for up to 4 people or connecting rooms for larger families. This laid back hotel features both an indoor and outdoor pool as well as fire pits where you can roast marshmallow’s from the provide smore’s kit.
- Vacation Rentals – The Outer Banks specializes in spacious beach houses perfect for extended families or families who prefer a space of their own.
- Hilton Garden Inn Outer Banks/Kitty Hawk – This beachfront hotel is equipped with an outdoor pool and an onsite fishing pier. They provide an onsite restaurant “Great American Grill” that’s open from dawn to dusk as well as a game room and fitness center.
Nearby Activities
- Wright Brothers National Memorial
- Jockey’s Ridge State Park for sandboarding and kite flying
- North Carolina Aquarium
- Wild horse tours
Gulf Shores, Alabama
This Gulf Coast gem offers sugar-white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters without the crowds or high prices of more well-known destinations.
Why Families Love It
- Gentle waves and shallow waters perfect for younger children
- Gulf State Park Beach offers clean facilities and lifeguards
- Affordable accommodations compared to many coastal destinations
Where to Stay
- The Lodge at Gulf State Park – This beachfront hotel is an eco friendly resort that is part of the Gulf State Park. It has 28 miles of trails with free bike to rent so you can ride around and explore. They also offer an outdoor pool, onsite dinning and rooms with bunk beds.
- The Oasis – Features 3 and 4 bedroom condominiums that can sleep up to 14 guests, perfect for large or multi family vacations. Amenities include a lazy river, waterslide, outdoor grill, mini golf, giant indoor pool, game room and so much more.
- Gulf Shores Plantation – This condo resort features multiple pools and beach front access. There are multiple on site dinning options with outdoor seating. Activities include fishing, hiking, cycling and snorkeling,
Nearby Activities
- Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
- Waterville USA water park
- Adventure Island (go-karts, mini-golf and more)
Maui, Hawaii
For families willing to travel further, Maui offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
Why Families Love It
- Kaanapali Beach offers calm waters and great snorkeling
- Wailea Beach provides gentle surf and resort amenities
- Year-round warm water temperatures ideal for swimming
Where to Stay
- Grand Wailea Resort – Situated on Wailea Beach (rated one of the top beaches in the world) this resort has it all. Guests can enjoy the 2,000 ft long water area consisting of 9 pools of different levels, 7 waterslides, 6 waterfalls, a rope swing, lazy river, caves and more.
- Honua Kai Resort & Spa – Spacious condo-style accommodations with full kitchens. This resort is rated one of Maui’s top resorts, offering studio -3 bedroom rentals, and an outdoor pool on beautiful grounds.
- Kaanapali Beach Hotel – Known as “Hawaii’s Most Hawaiian Hotel” this hotel aims to provide you with a true Hawaiian vacation. They have activities for all ages throughout the day including, Hawaiian dance, make your own Lei and ocean navigation and more. Families can also enjoy the outdoor pool, beach and complimentary movie nights.
Nearby Activities
- Maui Ocean Center (aquarium)
- Road to Hana scenic drive
- Atlantis Submarines underwater adventures
Clearwater Beach, Florida
Consistently ranked among America’s best beaches, Clearwater Beach offers powdery white sand and shallow, warm Gulf waters.
Why Families Love It
- Calm, clear waters perfect for swimming
- Beach Playground and water features at Pier 60
- Daily sunset celebrations with street performers
Where to Stay
- Sandpearl Resort – This luxury beachfront hotel is situated on 700 ft of private coastline. Families can enjoy the zero entry pool and suites with full kitchens and furnished patios. Kids ages 5-10 can join Camp Riley where they have the option to partake in nature walks, scavenger hunts and arts and crafts.
- Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach – This resort offers all-suite accommodations with kitchens for families looking to save money on eating in. It is located directly on the beach with a rooftop pool. There is a $35 daily resort fee that includes amenities such as, 4 water bottles, nightly in room movie, poolside entertainment, daily pool snack and 1 hour resort bike rentals, just to name a few.
- Clearwater Beach Marriott Suites on Sand Key – Offers larger rooms for families with many onsite amenities. Guests can enjoy the pool with waterfall, onsite water sprots, splash pad and the aquatic playground. Onsite dinning options include a pool side grill and sushi bar.
Nearby Activities
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium (home of Winter the dolphin)
- Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise
- Busch Gardens Tampa (45 minutes away)
Packing Tips for Family Beach Vacations
Make your family beach trip smoother with these essentials:
- Beach tent or umbrella for shade
- Swim diapers and puddle jumpers for toddlers
- Mesh beach bags for toys and shell collecting
- Waterproof phone cases
- Plenty of sunscreen (minimum SPF 30)
- Insulated water bottles
- Beach cart or wagon
- Baby powder (for removing sand from skin at the end of the day)
Planning Your Perfect Family Beach Getaway
The best time to book your family beach vacation is typically 3-6 months in advance, especially if you’re planning a summer trip. Consider traveling during “shoulder seasons” (May or September) when you’ll find fewer crowds but still enjoy warm weather and water temperatures.
For budget-conscious families, destinations like Myrtle Beach and Gulf Shores offer excellent value while still providing all the amenities kids love. For those seeking a mix of beach time and attractions, Virginia Beach and San Diego provide the perfect blend of natural beauty and entertainment options.
Remember that the perfect family beach vacation balances structured activities with plenty of free time for sandcastle building and wave jumping. Look for destinations that offer something for every age group while providing the convenience and amenities that make parents’ lives easier.
Whether you choose the boardwalk excitement of Virginia Beach, the family attractions of Myrtle Beach, or the natural beauty of the Outer Banks, these family-friendly beach destinations promise memories that will last long after the sand is washed from between your toes.
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